NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 1/2

Jan 2nd 2024Jay Persson

Each day, this column will provide live updates for all NBA news. Enjoy up-to-the-minute alerts for injuries and lineup confirmations. The Key News to Watch section will highlight notable injuries to monitor for the current NBA slate.

Key NBA News to Watch

  • Markelle Fultz (knee) — Out

  • Keldon Johnson (back) — Available

  • Terry Rozier (illness) — Available

  • Brandon Miller (hip) — Out

  • Dorian Finney-Smith (knee) — Available

  • Mark Williams (back) — Out

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__NBA for notifications.

Chicago Bulls News

Confirmed Lineup: Coby White, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, Andre Drummond

  • Onuralp Bitim (nose) — Out

  • Torrey Craig (foot) — Injured

  • Nikola Vucevic (groin) — Injured

  • Zach LaVine (foot) — Injured

  • Lonzo Ball (knee) — Out for season

Philadelphia 76ers News

Confirmed Lineup: Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum, Joel Embiid

  • Joel Embiid (ankle) — Not on injury report

  • De'Anthony Melton (back) — Out

  • Robert Covington (knee) — Out

  • Furkan Korkmaz (illness) — Out

  • Jaden Springer (illness) — Out

Embiid is returning to the lineup after a four-game absence, but the Sixers will be down another starter in Melton. Prior to his injury, Embiid was averaging 40.2 points per game in December. He scored 40 points to go along with 14 rebounds and six assists in his recent matchup against the Bulls. Melton's absence could allow Nicolas Batum to draw a spot start.

San Antonio Spurs News

Confirmed Lineup: Malaki Branham, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan, Victor Wembanyama

  • Keldon Johnson (back) — Available

  • Zach Collins (ankle) — Injured

  • Charles Bassey (knee) — Out for season

Memphis Grizzlies News

Confirmed Lineup: Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Bismack Biyombo

  • Brandon Clarke (Achilles) — Injured

  • Steven Adams (knee) — Out for season

Brooklyn Nets News

Confirmed Lineup: Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nic Claxton

  • Dorian Finney-Smith (knee) — Available

  • Lonnie Walker (hamstring) — Injured

  • Ben Simmons (back) — Injured

New Orleans Pelicans News

Confirmed Lineup: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas

  • Trey Murphy III (knee) — Out

  • Matt Ryan (elbow) — Injured

Boston Celtics News

Confirmed Lineup: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis

  • Jrue Holiday (elbow) — Not on injury report

Oklahoma City Thunder News

Confirmed Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren

Orlando Magic News

Confirmed Lineup: Anthony Black, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Goga Bitadze

  • Markelle Fultz (knee) — Out

  • Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) — Out

  • Joe Ingles (ankle) — Out

Golden State Warriors News

Confirmed Lineup: Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis

  • Draymond Green (suspension) — Out

Charlotte Hornets News

Confirmed Lineup: Terry Rozier, Bryce McGowens, Cody Martin, Miles Bridges, Nick Richards

  • Terry Rozier (illness) — Available

  • Brandon Miller (hip) — Out

  • Mark Williams (back) — Out

  • Gordon Hayward (calf) — Injured

  • LaMelo Ball (ankle) — Injured

  • Frank Ntilikina (leg) — Injured

With Rozier out on Monday, the Hornets were held to just 93 points in a blowout loss. Rozier is also set to miss Tuesday's game in the second leg of the back-to-back. Ish Smith contributed 10 points in 29 minutes on Monday. Miles Bridges led the team with 26 points and should once again lead the team in offense alongside Brandon Miller.

Sacramento Kings News

Confirmed Lineup: De'Aaron Fox, Chris Duarte, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis